THE Battle for St Mary’s took a dramatic new twist last night when a south coast businessman emerged as the chief rival to the Matt Le Tissier-led bid for the club.

The Daily Echo can exclusively reveal that Marc Jackson – previously linked with a buy-out of AFC Bournemouth – has emerged at the 11th hour and he held top-level talks with the Saints administrator yesterday.

In a day of drama at the club, we can also reveal that at least two other bids – including one from abroad – could be made.

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